The Toronto Raptors will likely be active when trade season rolls around, as they could look to rework their roster before they have to pay some of their big names. Considering the fact that he could potentially opt out of his contract after the season, Gary Trent Jr. has often been pegged as a player who could be on the move.
While he has been somewhat resurrected this season after moving to the bench, the totality of his stats this year show that he can stand to improve. Even after hanging 35 bench points on the Pelicans, Trent’s scoring, 3-point percentage, and assists are all down when compared to last year.
Trent could be on the move if the Raptors are given an intriguing enough offer. With a Pascal Siakam contract looking and Fred VanVleet’s situation to deal with, trading Trent could help Toronto restock their depth while simultaneously freeing themselves of yet another potentially nine-figure contract.
The Raptors will likely get interest from dozens of teams if Trent is made available, though a group of five stands out above the rest. Given their respective desires to get a deal done and their treasure trove of assets, Toronto could be very well compensated for their young sniper.
Toronto Raptors rumors: 5 teams who could trade for Gary Trent Jr.
5. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets’ offensive strategy is as clear as day. Letting Nikola Jokic cook is obviously their main way of attacking teams, but they have also surrounded arguably the best passer in the game with an array of shooters. Trent would fit right in with Denver’s mindset.
Names like Bones Hyland and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have Denver ranked among the league’s best offenses, while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. remain promising young talents. Perhaps sending away one of their cheaper shooters in exchange for Trent could appeal to Calvin Booth in Denver?
Will the Toronto Raptors trade Gary Trent Jr. to Denver?
Much like Toronto did in the original Trent/Norman Powell trade, the Raptors could part with a very good guard that can contribute to a contender while getting back a similar player who won’t be as expensive. The structure of Jokic’s contract will limit Denver’s options in free agency, so they might need to trade for an impact shooter.
With two MVP seasons from Nikola Jokic already having gone by the wayside without a Finals appearance, Denver could feel pressured to go all in. That motivation might force them to overpay and give Toronto a ridiculous haul while freeing them from the responsibility of paying Trent.